Helldivers 2 players have expressed mixed feelings about the game’s chaotic ragdolling physics, which has become both a highlight and a frustration for many. The ragdoll effect occurs when characters are violently thrown around the map due to enemy actions or environmental hazards, creating moments that can range from humorous to infuriating.
In a recent community poll run by Arrowhead Game Studios, around 70% of respondents called for tweaks to the ragdolling mechanics, with many players finding them excessive or problematic in certain situations.
The community poll, posted by Arrowhead’s community manager Thomas ‘Twinbeard’ Petersson, collected responses from over 69,000 participants. The results were divided, with 10% of players declaring the ragdolling “great” and another 10% finding it “OK.”
However, the bulk of responses showed dissatisfaction, with players complaining that the ragdoll effect was too intense or disruptive, particularly against certain enemy types. Only 2,000 respondents (3%) wanted ragdolling entirely removed, but many players felt that the physics were too unpredictable or overbearing in certain contexts, like encounters with large enemy bosses.
One key concern raised in the poll was the ragdolling effect’s impact when dealing with larger enemies, such as Striders, Hulks, and Fortresses. Around 8% of players felt that reducing ragdolling in these situations would improve the overall experience.
This feedback suggests that while the mechanic can be fun in some scenarios, it detracts from the gameplay when it interferes with tactical combat against tougher foes. The erratic nature of ragdolling has led to a sense of unpredictability, which might be amusing at times but also frustrating when it hampers players’ ability to respond to threats effectively.
Despite these critiques, the poll’s data might not fully represent the broader player base, as it was only open to members of the Helldivers 2 Discord. This means the survey might reflect a skewed perspective, focusing on the opinions of the most engaged and vocal players rather than the full spectrum of the community.
Nevertheless, the overwhelming feedback highlights a clear desire for the developers to consider adjusting ragdolling, which could lead to a more balanced and enjoyable experience for a wider audience.
This conversation comes at a time when Arrowhead Game Studios is working on improving Helldivers 2, following a large patch two weeks ago that aimed to enhance the overall fun of the game.
Given the team’s commitment to fine-tuning various aspects of the game, including weapons, armor, and enemy behavior, it’s possible that ragdolling could be the next element to receive attention in future updates. Fans of the game are hopeful that the developers will take their concerns into account as they continue to refine the co-op shooter experience.
